Concerns over rural Qld maternity services

The Queensland government is expected to announce a task force into regional maternity services after data showed babies were dying at a higher rate in towns with no maternity services.

Rural doctors say the closure of 40 country obstetric units is forcing women to either deliver their babies at home with no medical support or to risk a roadside birth trying to get to a hospital, The Sunday Mail reported.

Health Minister Steven Miles is expected to announce on Sunday a task force into the state’s perinatal and infant mortality rate will be reconvened.